A Realm Reborn's alpha testing cycle began on October 29, 2012. The beta testing cycle involved four main phases, the third of which included PlayStation 3 support, and the fourth of which was also open to the entire public. After a promotionally priced two-day "Early Access" period, the game went live via all normal retail channels. The relaunch has carried over the original game's setting, lore and intended story, but incorporate a new client, graphics engine, server and data structures, a revamped interface, redesigned maps, more gameplay variations and additional story content. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was released simultaneously on Windows and PlayStation 3 on August 27, 2013.